424 Scientific Intelligence. 
dry or moist perhaps, will suffice to generate an enormous force, which 
M. Andrand estimates at 10 or 12 atmospheres, and this with an ex- 
pense of heat which is altogether insignificant. e shall have then, 
says he, electro-caloric engines which shall leave far behind steam en- 
gines, however perfect, and shall realize under volumes of small ex- 
tent, the marvels attributed to the apparatus of M. Ericsson. 
Finally M. Andrand closes his voluminous memoir by the following 
considerations. ‘‘Steam boilers are found, as regards electricity, in 
conditions analogous to those of our hot-air chambers; it is probable 
even, that with equal volumes, they contain a much larger quantity. Is 
it not natural that the phenomena which I have observed, as a matter 
chance, in our hot-air cylinders, should be sometimes reproduced in 
steam boilers ? 
‘It is known that explosions are more violent, the greater the amount 
of electricity ; and on the other hand, that the quantity of electricity ts 
greatest when the steam is of moderate tension, as in steamboats o! 
ow pressure engines. And these s 
hich often explode, while the locomotives which are high pressure, 
very seldom explode.” In support of these considerations, M. And- 
neither the volatilization of this metal. a 
In order to verify a fact in analytical chemistry concerning the sili- 
cates, M. Henri St. Claire Deville put a platinum crucible closed with 
its cover, in-a Hessian crucible, and placed it in a small laboratory 
The combustible consisted accidentally of peseiger cinders 
lows of a forge. On returning afier some time to examine the § 
the silicate he saw with surprise that the platinum crucible, as well as 
the Hessian, was reduced to a paste, perfectly fused. 
“d On reporting the facts to the Academy, M. Deville presented a pla- 
tinum crucible, which he had caused to melt in lime; he bad also o 
cover of platinum upon which there were numerous globules of vola- 
tilized platinum, and also a specimen of pure silver fused in grape: 
_ As sandstone is perfectly fusible at these temperatures, M. ser 
substitutes for it some compact lime containing a little silica, which 
had carved into a crucible ; the air reached the furnace throug® @ og 
of iron piereed with holes arranged circularly to a distance 
meters around the center. 
I have seen the apparatus, and observed the simple and easy method 
of using it; the humble appearance of this small furnace stands out 
— . ¥ 
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